The mysterious gold bar donation has become a tradition, according to a news release from the local Salvation Army corps officer.

The Salvation Army says they plan on selling the gold bar to a local vendor with all the proceeds going toward the Red Kettle Campaign goal. The value of the gold bar hasn't been determined yet, but gold was selling for around $1,200 an ounce on Thursday.

"The Salvation Army expects it to be a great deal to add to their goal," the release said.

As of Tuesday, the Salvation Army had raised $6,000 of their $67,500 goal.

"The Salvation Army would like to publicly thank the generous donor who dropped the gold bar in the kettle on November 21," the news release said.

It's been a tough year for the community of Marshalltown. Earlier this summer, a tornado ripped through the city, with many residents losing their homes to the violent storm. The Salvation Army there served hundreds of Thanksgiving meals to residents in need this week.

The Salvation Army says the people they serve are those who don't want to be alone during the holidays and have no where else to go.